Is there still a market for boarding prep?

[messeduphair]

Just watched This old documentary. I understand that children want independence when they are senior school age and might board, but it must be so hard at prep age surely?

I've seen that documentary before and read the book. I had a partner whose experience of boarding school absolutely made him the adult he was - he could be charming but he was also rigid, unemotional, guarded, unempathetic and deeply scarred. He had created a protection barrier around him that kept everyone out. It kept him 'safe' but was dustrous for his relationships with his family.

He now lives alone.

I work in a boarding school. We have boarders from age 7, They are not all military, some are from overseas, some are British but parents have taken jobs overseas, some are choristers, some have local parents who just find it convenient to board their kids. It makes me sad, some don't cope well.

And outside those three in London, plus Kings College Cambridge and Christ Church Oxford, chorister boarding is pretty much either optional or non existent

In addition to those above, Canterbury Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Winchester College, Winchester Cathedral, Wells Cathedral, St George’s Windsor, Tewksbury Abbey all support significant numbers of junior boarding choristers at local preps. Those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Ah yes if were only talking yr 4-6 full boarders that makes sense. Very small number. Even the choir we know well has Yr 4 probationers weekly boarding. WCC has recently gone fully weekly too.

@Legoninjago1

I think many choirs are having to change the junior boarding requirement as there are now very few parents who will allow their Y3 -Y6 to board full time. They will not be able to attract enough children with the right skill set.

Yep agree. It's the reason I'm not letting my son do it although he's desperate to try !

My dad did from 7. Used to fly over as an "unaccompanied minor." I think it was disastrous for him. They were caned a fair bit 😔.
Posh military family. He's been an awful father - has no idea how to relate to his children who he basically sees as an inconvenience....